Review Centre: Big Bands

"To Jim and the whole Swing Shift crew: My wife and I just really wanted to thank you guys YET AGAIN for playing at our wedding back on Dec 21, 2010. So great to have you here for my brother's wedding too. Thank you so much, for all the fun, for all the joy. Thank You! JP & Michelle & baby Penelope Love"

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"Hi Greg, Everyone loved the band!!! You were exactly what we had hoped for and more!! Thank you so very much!!"

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"'Thanks again for a great performance last night!' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WE were so glad we found Andrew Thielen Big Band. They are a real band that has been together for over twenty years perfecting their music, showmanship and dazzling variety of music that kept our dance floor jammed. WE almost got swayed into one of these chain bands called Empire something where they throw together bands for one night until we figured out you cannot be a 3 piece band one week and a 12 piece band the next. WE wanted a real band where the band leader has had repeat performances for the most discriminating buyers for years. Every age, everyones taste in music and our twenty something wedding party had the time of our life. Call them now for sensational singers, instrumentalists and organization. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked Nightflyers as I love live swing music. They performed at Bradford Playhouse for my 50th birthday and it was amazing. Great selection of music, professional and reliable. Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed the evening. It was everything I had hoped for and highly recommend them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Astoundingly good jazz and great personal service. Highly highly recommended! "

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"‘Chris was so nice. Very professional and the evening went so well. We had so much feedback and comments on how good he is and the music is great. It was a huge success' "

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"Great fun and nice eclectic mix up of music. My customers really got involved with singing along and dancing. Enjoyable night for all. Highly recommend "

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"Cristiano è un ottimo musicista ed un serio professionista. Cantine di Nessuno"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack Bowers The Rick Holland—Evan Dobbins Little Big Band Trilby RPO Productions Five years after a sensational opening act (In Time's Shadow, 2006), trumpeter Rick Holland and trombonist Evan Dobbins have returned for an encore, Trilby, marshaling as before their irrepressible Little Big Band. As was noted of that earlier recording, "the only thing small about [this band] is its numbers." Baritone saxophonist Dean Keller, who shared that chair with Kerry Strayer on Shadow, also returns. The rest of the lineup is brand new, with Evan Dobbins' dad, the well-known educator Bill Dobbins (Eastman School of Music), replacing the splendid pianist John Nyerges. Besides shining at the keyboard, Bill Dobbins wrote "My Darling Darlene" and arranged half of the album's other ten numbers. Although he doesn't play this time around, Strayer composed "Rich's Call" and arranged Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle" and Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," while Brent Wallarab wrote "Trilby" and arranged Benny Golson's "Stablemates." Bill Dobbins' engaging charts brighten three originals by Hendrik Meurkens—"Slidin," "Second Waltz," "The Cottage"—as well as Hal Crook's "Fused" and Alec Wilder's lovely standard, "While We're Young" (a reprise from the band's earlier album). Holland, who plays flugelhorn exclusively, solos strongly on seven numbers, striking the ball with assurance and perception on every turn at bat. Bill Dobbins ("Slidin," "The Cottage," "Trilby," "Darlene," "Tricotism") amplifies the message, as do Evan Dobbins ("Slidin," "Fused"), Doug Stone (alto on "Stablemates," clarinet on "Second Waltz," soprano on "Trilby" and "While We're Young"), tenor Mike Pendowski ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"), trombonist Nick Finzer ("Second Waltz," "Tricotism"), bassist David Baron ("The Cottage," "Tricotism") and blue-chip drummer Rich Thompson ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"). When they're not having their say, the ensemble is front and center, giving each of the charts its single-minded attention. The result is music that flows easily without miscue. Trilby marks a second triumph by the Holland / Dobbins Little Big Band, which, as was noted after its debut album, "is more big than little, in every sense of the word." Those who appreciate a tight, swinging band, even if slightly undersized, are sure to admire Trilby."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Love these guys. The band and vocals are amazing. The really know how to make you feel good with music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say a huuuuge thank you to all of you at Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. You made the wedding evening truly amazing and absolutely eeeveryone loved you guys! So many people have said to us since the wedding how amazing you guys were! Thank you so so much, we had an absolutely fab time, I’m so glad you could play for us! I think you’ve heard from my sister-in-law Faye and I hear you’ll be playing at her and Carl’s wedding next year! Yay. So we will see you all again then 🙂 Thanks again."

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"'Chris was fantastic! All agreed he was cool, suave, talented and could belt out a great tune! My wife the birthday girl loved it' "

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"What an absolutely fantastic band, we recently hired them for our mums Gatsby themed party, they were amazing, would definitely recommend them to add that touch of roaring 20s Glitz & Glamour to any occasion, 5 Stars"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A true genius in every sense, Arturo Cruz is a masterful composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who effortlessly blends cultures and colors into his music. His work transcends boundaries, bringing an electrifying energy to his performances. Arturo is a rare talent who continues to redefine musical excellence. I have had the pleasure to enjoy not only his performances but his arrangements and recordings, all I have to say is he is a must known artist of this generation!"

Reply by Arturo Cruz & Ashe Okun
Thanks Ana, it was a wonderful show in Porto, I enjoy everything about you

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: